What to Feed an Abandoned Wild Rabbit: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding an abandoned wild rabbit can be distressing. Knowing what and how to feed it properly is crucial for its survival. This guide provides expert advice on providing the right nutrition for orphaned wild rabbits.
Introduction: Caring for Orphaned Wild Rabbits
Discovering a seemingly abandoned wild rabbit can tug at your heartstrings. However, before intervening, it’s essential to determine if the rabbit truly needs your help. Mother rabbits only visit their young twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk, to avoid attracting predators. Therefore, a baby rabbit alone in a nest isn’t necessarily abandoned. If the rabbit appears injured, weak, or is in immediate danger (e.g., near a road or pet), intervention is necessary. What do I feed an abandoned wild rabbit? is the first and most critical question. Success depends heavily on providing the correct diet.
Identifying a True Orphan
Distinguishing between a baby rabbit that needs help and one that is simply waiting for its mother is crucial. Consider these factors:
- Visible Injuries: Signs of trauma, such as bleeding, limping, or wounds.
- Weakness or Lethargy: The rabbit appears unusually inactive or unresponsive.
- Infestation: Heavy flea or tick infestation.
- Location: Is the rabbit in a dangerous area or exposed to extreme weather?
- Appearance: Is the rabbit visibly emaciated?
If the rabbit exhibits any of these signs, intervention is likely necessary. A healthy, well-fed baby rabbit will be plump and active.
Understanding Rabbit Dietary Needs
Wild rabbits have very specific dietary requirements, particularly when they are young. Unlike other animals, a rabbit’s digestive system is extremely sensitive, and improper feeding can lead to serious health problems or even death. Understanding their natural diet is the first step in providing appropriate care. What do I feed an abandoned wild rabbit? is answered by mimicking their natural diet as closely as possible.
- Kittens (baby rabbits): Rely entirely on their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life.
- Weaning: Transition to a diet of grasses, weeds, and leafy greens.
- Adult Rabbits: Consume a variety of grasses, weeds, vegetables, and occasionally fruit in small quantities.
The Correct Feeding Plan
What do I feed an abandoned wild rabbit? The short answer is never cow’s milk. While seemingly intuitive, feeding cow’s milk is a common and often fatal mistake. Instead, consider these options:
- Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR): Available at pet stores, KMR is a suitable option, but dilute it to half strength with water, especially for very young rabbits.
- Goat’s Milk: Plain, unflavored goat’s milk is also a better alternative than cow’s milk.
- Esbilac: A puppy milk replacer can also be used but must be diluted by half as with KMR.
Feeding Schedule:
- Newborns (Eyes closed): Feed 2-3 ml every 3-4 hours.
- Older Bunnies (Eyes open): Feed 5-7 ml twice a day.
Feeding Method:
- Use a 1 ml syringe (without the needle) to feed the rabbit slowly.
- Hold the rabbit in an upright position, as if it were nursing from its mother.
- Allow the rabbit to suckle at its own pace. Never force-feed.
Once the rabbit is old enough to start nibbling on solid foods, introduce these gradually:
- Timothy Hay: The foundation of a rabbit’s diet. Always available.
- Dark Leafy Greens: Romaine lettuce, kale, and parsley (in moderation).
- Rabbit Pellets: High-fiber, low-protein pellets, specifically formulated for rabbits.
- Clean Water: Always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding Cow’s Milk: Can cause severe digestive upset and death.
- Overfeeding: Lead to bloating and diarrhea.
- Introducing Solid Foods Too Early: Wait until the rabbit shows interest in nibbling.
- Giving Iceberg Lettuce: Offers little nutritional value and can cause diarrhea.
- Neglecting Hygiene: Keep the rabbit’s living area clean and dry.
- Releasing Too Soon: The rabbit should be completely independent and able to find food and water on its own before release.
Preparing for Release
Releasing a rehabilitated wild rabbit back into its natural habitat requires careful planning.
- Gradual Acclimation: Before releasing the rabbit, gradually expose it to outdoor temperatures and conditions.
- Safe Release Location: Choose a safe location with plenty of natural food sources and shelter.
- Soft Release: Provide a temporary enclosure in the release area for a few days, allowing the rabbit to acclimate to its surroundings.
- Supplemental Feeding: Initially, provide supplemental food and water near the release site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a bottle to feed the baby rabbit?
While you can try a bottle, a 1 ml syringe is typically easier and less likely to cause aspiration (liquid entering the lungs). Rabbits have a specific suckling motion, and a syringe allows you to control the flow better. Always proceed carefully and watch for signs of distress.
How can I tell how old the baby rabbit is?
Age can be estimated based on physical characteristics: Eyes closed: 0-7 days old; eyes open: 7-10 days old; fully furred: 2-3 weeks old; eating solid food: 3-4 weeks old. This is just an estimate, and individual rabbits may develop at different rates.
What if the rabbit refuses to eat?
A rabbit refusing to eat is a cause for concern. Gently try to stimulate the rabbit’s anal-genital region with a damp cloth after feeding to encourage urination and defecation, mimicking the mother’s behavior. If it consistently refuses to eat, seek veterinary advice immediately.
How often should I clean the rabbit’s enclosure?
The enclosure should be spot-cleaned daily, removing any soiled bedding or waste. A full cleaning should be done every 2-3 days, depending on the size of the enclosure and the rabbit’s habits. Hygiene is crucial to prevent infections.
What kind of bedding should I use?
Use soft, absorbent bedding, such as shredded paper towels or fleece. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings, as they can be harmful to rabbits. Ensure the bedding is clean and dry.
Is it legal to keep a wild rabbit as a pet?
In many areas, it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets without the proper permits. Check your local laws and regulations before attempting to rehabilitate a wild rabbit. The goal should always be to release the rabbit back into its natural habitat once it is capable of surviving on its own.
How do I keep the baby rabbit warm?
Baby rabbits are susceptible to hypothermia. Provide a heat source, such as a heating pad set on low and wrapped in a towel, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth. Make sure the rabbit can move away from the heat source if it gets too warm.
Can I give the rabbit vegetables right away?
No. Introduce vegetables gradually once the rabbit is showing interest in solid foods. Start with small amounts of dark leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce or parsley. Avoid iceberg lettuce, which is low in nutrients and can cause diarrhea.
What should I do if the rabbit has diarrhea?
Diarrhea in baby rabbits can be life-threatening. Stop feeding solid foods immediately and offer only diluted KMR or goat’s milk. Seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
How do I socialize a wild rabbit for release?
Avoid handling the rabbit excessively to minimize its dependence on humans. Limit interaction to feeding and cleaning the enclosure. Provide natural stimuli, such as branches and leaves, to encourage natural behaviors.
When is it appropriate to release the rabbit back into the wild?
The rabbit should be at least 8 weeks old and fully independent before release. It should be able to eat solid food, find water, and exhibit natural behaviors, such as foraging and hiding.
Where should I release the rabbit?
Choose a safe, quiet location with plenty of natural food sources and shelter, such as a wooded area or a field with tall grasses. Avoid releasing the rabbit near roads, predators, or human activity.